Another way you can file for your Wisconsin unemployment benefits is by telephone.

• If you live in the Madison area, you can file by dialing (608) 232-0678.
• In theMilwaukee area, file by calling (414) 438-7700.
• Anywhere in Wisconsin or the United States, you can call 1-800-822-5246.

It might be easier to remember this number by thinking 1-800-UC CLAIM. Due to the high volume of callers, you have a better chance of getting a hold of a person by using one of the first two numbers. Just
make sure the calls are not long distance for you before dialing.

When you file for your Wisconsin unemployment benefits, you will need to provide
your Social Security Number. The number is required by law and provides the
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development the opportunity to verify your wage
and other data you provide. Unlike most states, Wisconsin will also require you to
create a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). Having your own number
provides you for greater security of your information. Nobody will be able to
provide any information about your claim without providing the Social Security
Number and PIN. For this reason, you need to come up with a PIN that you can recall
but one that nobody else knows.

Another piece of information you need to give is your Wisconsin driver’s license
number, if you have one. You will be expected to give a list of every employer you
worked for during the prior 18 months, including their name, full address, phone
number, the reason you are not currently employed there, and the date you began the
job and date you ended the job.

Filing your initial claim for unemployment benefits is the first step in the
process. The next step is to file weekly claim certifications, which you must do
within 14 days from the end of the calendar week you are claiming. You cannot file
your claim for a week until the week is finished. It is in your best interest to
answer every question completely and correctly. This lowers the risk that your
benefits are delayed. It also lowers the chances of you being penalized.

Your eligibility to collect unemployment insurance is dependent on a number of
factors. First, you must be mentally and physically able to work. In addition, you
must be available to work for any shift required by the type of work you are
seeking. You need to be actively seeking a job.

If you are out of work in Wisconsin, be sure to do everything required for filing
for unemployment in Wisconsin. The people at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce
Development are available to assist you and answer your questions.